I do want a cummerbund, I will be using 11x14 plates, More than likely will be wearing AR500 level 3+ steel plates. I will use it to carry AKM mags and will probably attach a Molle attachable backpack on the back.

In that price range, with a cummerbund, I’d look at the “Shellback Tactical Banshee Rifle Plate Carrier”($170 at Optics Planet). Lighter, but much closer to your limit($250), is the “Crye JPC”. It doesn’t have a true cummerbund, but will accept MOLLE on the sides. Obviously you could go cheaper with a “Condor” brand carrier, but they are much heavier and not near as well built.